Solar Panel Cost Guide in Champlin, MN (2023 Update)

  • Champlin Solar Installation Cost: $14,317
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,603
  • Payback Period: 10.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Champlin

We break down average solar pricing in Champlin.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Champlin generally cost about 2.84. The average Champlin homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,314 with the federal tax credit, or $20,469 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Champlin homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Champlin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,204
3 years $-13,978
5 years $-13,752
7 years $-13,526
9 years $-13,300
11 years $-13,073
13 years $-12,847
15 years $-12,621
17 years $-12,395
19 years $-12,169
21 years $-11,943
23 years $-11,717
25 years $-11,490

Top Solar Installers in Champlin

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Champlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Champlin

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Champlin is $14,314, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,840. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Champlin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Champlin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Champlin, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.95 $12,405 $15,855 11.0 years
8 kW $2.90 $16,222 $21,457 10.8 years
10 kW $2.84 $19,880 $27,219 10.6 years
12 kW $2.78 $23,379 $33,140 10.3 years
14 kW $2.73 $26,719 $39,220 10.1 years
16 kW $2.67 $29,900 $45,460 9.9 years
18 kW $2.61 $32,921 $51,858 9.7 years
20 kW $2.56 $35,784 $58,415 9.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Champlin, MN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Champlin?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Champlin?

You can't get solar panels for free in Champlin. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Champlin have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Champlin?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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